Zimbabwe's athletics had a pretty solid run this year, with the National Athletics Association crediting better coaching programs for the turnaround. Director Lisimati Phakamile ran some certification courses in Bulawayo and said the country got more athletes into World Championships while setting national records through performers like Tapiwa Makarawu and Vimbai Masorera.
The association thinks the momentum can carry through the next Olympic cycle, and they want more podium finishes by the time the games roll around again. White City Stadium has been hosting back-to-back training sessions with 25 participants already signed up for one program. International coaches from Eswatini and Germany are flying in to lead specialized sprint and distance training blocks.
Regional interest keeps growing with foreign coaches showing up for Zimbabwe-based certification, which Phakamile sees as validation that their technical methods are gaining respect across southern Africa.
The association thinks the momentum can carry through the next Olympic cycle, and they want more podium finishes by the time the games roll around again. White City Stadium has been hosting back-to-back training sessions with 25 participants already signed up for one program. International coaches from Eswatini and Germany are flying in to lead specialized sprint and distance training blocks.
Regional interest keeps growing with foreign coaches showing up for Zimbabwe-based certification, which Phakamile sees as validation that their technical methods are gaining respect across southern Africa.
